The Last Mile Radio

In this crossover episode, we present a segment from SiriusXM 45's "Sway In The Morning", in which Sway Calloway reflects on his emotional visit to the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, sharing firsthand stories about the humanity, intelligence, and potential of incarcerated individuals. The conversation explores how rehabilitation programs focused on education, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and emotional support can dramatically reduce recidivism while improving public safety. Listeners will hear moving calls from former corrections officers, family members of incarcerated individuals, and parents using the discussion as a teaching moment for their children. The episode also examines systemic issues surrounding sentencing...

Prison environments shape human behavior in profound ways. Years spent in conditions defined by stress, isolation, surveillance, and constant vigilance affect the body, the mind, and the ability to relate to other people. Yet after that experience, society expects people to return home prepared to build relationships, regulate emotions, hold jobs, and reintegrate into their communities. This episode explores how incarceration functions as a public health issue and why the conditions inside correctional facilities play a major role in determining outcomes after release. In collaboration with the Brennan Center for Justice, this is part two of a two-episode series...

Prison is designed to be a fundamentally abnormal experience—one that removes autonomy, suppresses individuality, and restructures daily life around control and compliance. Yet at the end of that experience, we expect people to return to society as self-directed individuals capable of making decisions, building relationships, holding jobs, and forming identities beyond incarceration.

This episode explores that central tension: if the daily experience of prison is misaligned with the outcomes we want, then the structure of daily life inside facilities becomes one of the most important variables in criminal justice reform. In collaboration with the Brennan Center fo...

Episode Outline: 

(00:00:00) Tara Trask introduces Gio Hernandez Romero and his wrongful conviction case.
(00:03:17) Growing up in Los Angeles and his family background.
(00:08:39) How police label young people as gang members.
(00:14:19) Being tried as an adult and facing a 50-years-to-life sentence.
(00:16:47) Spending six years in jail before conviction and sentencing.
(00:18:00) Adjusting to life in prison and the loss of hope.
(00:19:00) How his sister and family kept him motivated to keep learning.
(00:23:12) Loyola Law School’s Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic takes his case.
(00:25:00) The Conviction Integrity Unit’s role in re...

April Bosworth is a graduate of The Last Mile program and now a Website Specialist at Televerde, where she previously served as a teaching assistant inside of prison helping other incarcerated women learn coding. Michelle Cirocco is the Chief Social Responsibility Officer at Televerde and the Executive Director of the Televerde Foundation, organizations that for nearly 30 years have pioneered employment and reentry models for incarcerated women. Under their leadership, Televerde has grown into a global B2B sales and marketing firm whose clients include Microsoft, Adobe, Dell, and SAP, offering incarcerated women the opportunity to build careers that lead...

In this interview, Shelley shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a home shaped by addiction to battling her own struggles with substance abuse, incarceration, and federal charges before finding sobriety and purpose. She recounts the turning point of discovering she was pregnant while incarcerated, her persistence in seeking treatment despite systemic barriers, and the faith-driven mindset shift that became the foundation of her recovery. Shelley details the challenges of reentry, including her fight against discrimination during Microsoft’s hiring process and the pivotal role of San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance in securing her first job in tech...

Dr. James JC Cavitt is the Executive Director of Project Rebound at CSU Fullerton, a transformative program supporting justice-impacted students as they reenter academic life and broader society. He was previously a founding student of The Last Mile’s inaugural class at San Quentin State Prison, where he began his remarkable journey from incarceration to academia. Today, Dr. Cavitt holds a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, an accomplished spoken word poet, and a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform. His scholarly work centers on the impacts of incarceration on emotional intimacy post-release—a subject deeply informed by his...

This week, Tara visits Homeboy Industries, an organization that helps gang members and formerly incarcerated people transition into productive, independent lives. Hear her captivating conversation with former CEO of Homeboy, Tom Vozzo. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Frank Cariilo, a formerly incarcerated, and fully exonerated man who was falsely accused and wrongfully convicted, joins Tara to catch up after he ran for public office, and what life is like in the years after returning home. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by M...

This week, Tara interviews members of the San Quentin Trans community, including incarcerated resident Jamie Acosta, corrections officer Mandi Hauwert, and a notable actor and activist David Sea to discuss what life is like for trans people within the prison system. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music b...

This week, Khalid Cannon joins Tara to chat about his organization Put Me In! that helps give children of incarcerated parents better access to athletics, and all the great developmental benefits that participation in sports provides. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit w...

This week, Tara talks with Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts, about how his dogs saved his life. Hear how he turned his rock-bottom into a purpose that helps both incarcerated people and rescue dogs throughout California.  

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, v...

This week, Tara dives into the complex issues associated with the involvement of currently incarcerated people working on the front lines of California's seasonal wild fires. Chief Royal Ramey joins Tara to discuss how fighting fires became his life's calling as through it, he discovered the value of public service. Hear how he is paving the road for formerly incarcerated people to pursue fire fighting as a career after they are paroled. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly P...

This week, The Last Mile founders, Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti introduce the new host of The Last Mile Radio, Tara Trask! 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

Originally published 2/17/25, civil jury consultant Tara Trask joins Ryan Leaf to tell her story. Hear how her early days of working with Dr. Phil in Texas influenced her career, and how her transformation through sobriety changed her perspective about the criminal justice system. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. O...

Originally published 2/3/25, Nike executive and manager of the Jordan brand, Larry Miller joins host Ryan Leaf to tell his story. Hear about his decision to tell the story of his journey through the criminal justice system prior to his incredibly successful career in sports branding. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at S...

This week is the last of our 3 episodes recorded inside California's San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Hear interviews with Lt. Berry, student Raheem, and then classroom facilitator Katy Gilbert and Rusty Bechtold from CalPIA, the California Prison Industry Authority. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For m...

This week, Ryan talks with 3 TLM students in San Quentin about their time inside, and how TLM is helping them find hope for a positive future on the outside. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week is the first of 3 episodes featuring Ryan's interviews within the newly renamed San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in California, where The Last Mile began. In this episode, Ryan chats with new warden Chase Andes about his upbringing, and how every step in his career was leading him to become the progressive warden that he is. Also, Ryan speaks with Rahsaan "New York" Thomas, co-host of the massively popular podcast Ear Hustle. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly P...

(Originally aired January 11th, 2025) This week, Ryan is joined by Chris Fabricant from The Innocence Project. Hear how he and his colleagues are trying to not only reverse wrongful convictions for innocent incarcerated people, but also how they're working to undo the criminal justice system's reliance on junk science on which so many wrongful convictions are based. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert R...

This week, Ryan sits down with TLM student turned employee, Timothy "Red" Littlepage to hear his story, from inside out. Hear him with Ryan from inside Putnamville Correctional, and again, with Kevin McKracken ... after he was released from prison! 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. F...

This week, hear 3 separate interviews with students enrolled in TLM's programs inside Indiana's Putnamville Correctional Facility.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, JJ Velasquez and Dan Slepian join host Ryan Leaf. Hear JJ tell his story of wrongful conviction and incarceration, how he learned to persevere through unbearable conditions, and where he found salvation and hope before ultimately being released after spending 21 years behind bars.   

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Si...

This week, Ryan addresses a group of students enrolled in TLM's programs inside Indiana's Putnamville Correctional Facility. Hear him tell his story and express the importance of redemption and transformation as they approach a new life after they're released.  

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. F...

This week, members of the Indiana Pacers Corporation join Ryan to discuss their efforts in second-chance hiring of formerly incarcerated people. Hear the story of how hiring a TLM graduate wasn't just a second chance hire, but the right hire for the job.  

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. O...

This week, civil jury consultant Tara Trask joins Ryan Leaf to tell her story. Hear how her early days of working with Dr. Phil in Texas influenced her career, and how her transformation through sobriety changed her perspective about the criminal justice system. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. O...

This week, Nike executive and manager of the Jordan brand, Larry Miller joins host Ryan Leaf to tell his story. Hear about his decision to tell the story of his journey through the criminal justice system prior to his incredibly successful career in sports branding. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at S...

This week, the co-founder of Death Row Records and creator of Community First, Michael "Harry-O" Harris, joins Ryan to tell the story of his early life in East L.A., co-founding Death Row Records, his 30-plus years behind bars, his partnership with The Last Mile, and much more. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, J...

This week, District Attorney of Los Angeles County Nathan Hochman joins Ryan Leaf to discuss the state of criminal justice in southern California and how you can be both tough on crime, and reasonable with sentencing. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit w...

This week, Ryan is joined by Chris Fabricant from The Innocence Project. Hear how he and his colleagues are trying to not only reverse wrongful convictions for innocent incarcerated people, but also how they're working to undo the criminal justice system's reliance on junk science on which so many wrongful convictions are based. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with t...

This week, Ryan is joined by his former Warden, Doug Fender. Hear how Ryan was perceived by prison staff, what its like to work in the criminal justice system and what is was like to witness Ryan's transformation.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For...

This week, JJ Velasquez and Dan Slepian join host Ryan Leaf. Hear JJ tell his story of wrongful conviction and incarceration, how he learned to persevere through unbearable conditions, and where he found salvation and hope before ultimately being released after spending 21 years behind bars.   

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Si...

New TLM Radio host Ryan Leaf shares his experience of going back to give a talk in the TLM classroom at Montana State Prison, where he spent the majority of his incarceration. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

New TLM Host Ryan Leaf continues his story, from professional football through injury, addiction, and prison. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Chris is joined by TLM Radio's new host, NFL Star Ryan Leaf. Hear his story of meteoric rise as a star quarterback, and his epic fall from grace after becoming addicted to opioid pain killers, leading to a very public scandal and prison sentence in a Montana prison. Hear how to he turned his life around, found broadcasting and is now our new host.   

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at...

(Originally published August 5, 2024) This week, Chris and E are joined by Gabrielle Perry, Founder and Executive Director of the Thurman Perry Foundation. Hear her personal story of incarceration, how her experience mimics those of so many incarcerated women across the country, and how her foundation is helping care and provide for this under-served population while they're inside, and  after returning to society. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The sh...

(Originally aired June 10th, 2023) A victim of California's mass-incarcerating Three Strikes law, philanthropist Ken Oliver tells Chris and E the story of his conviction, sentencing, solitary confinement and ultimate release after studying the law and fighting for his freedom. Hear how his self-education in prison enabled him to be a leader inside, and prepared him to become an advocate outside. 

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is p...

(Originally aired June 3rd, 2024) This week, Chris and E are joined by formerly federally incarcerated criminal justice advocate Alice Marie Johnson. Hear her intense story of she turned domestic hardship into career success, until it all came crashing down with an egregious miscarriage of justice. After being noticed by Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump, Alice turned her life around and continues to work for the betterment of the over-sentenced and formerly incarcerated.   

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Pa...

This week, Chris and guest host Kevin McKraken are joined by Jerry Killedjian. Hear his story of redemption as he turned his life sentence without parole into a life giving back to the formerly incarcerated population as an employee at The Last Mile.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM...

This week, wrongfully convicted and now commuted Franky Carillo joins Chris Redlitz and guest cohost Kevin Mckraken. Hear the story of how he was sentenced to life at 16 years old for a crime he didn't commit.  

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit w...